Critic Notes
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Canon la Gaffeliere opens with an incredibly evocative perfume of lilacs, Morello cherries, black raspberries, jasmine and Sichuan pepper over a core of ripe black plums, wild blueberries and dark chocolate with touches of iron ore and cumin seed. The medium to full-bodied palate reveals an edifying intensity of electric blue and black fruit layers, supported by a rock-solid frame of firm, finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with a firework display of fruit, mineral and spicy nuances. A thrilling wine from the get-go and one that should age very well!
Score: 95-97 / 100Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Deep in color, initially you notice mint, flowers, forest leaf and red and black fruits. Rich, supple, silky and fresh, with an opulent, fruit-filled mid-palate and finish, the chalky sensations coming from crushed rocks, stone and a hint of spice with more of that gorgeous mint and pure pit fruits taste and feels just great in the finish. The wine was made from blending 49% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Franc and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Score: 95-97 / 100Jeff Leve
Blackberry, chocolate and hazelnut aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with polished, juicy tannins that give a dusty texture to the intense, rich finish. A traditional, classically structured and styled red.
Score: 95-96 / 100James Suckling
I love the balance on display here, of powerful and softly whispering fruits, a tightrope of acidity and tannins giving structure. Great stuff, with the impact of 2018 but more freshness, although still with the signature glamour of a Neipperg wine in full flight.
Score: 95 / 100DecanterDrinking Window: 2025-2044
The 2019 Canon La Gaffelière is a nervous, tightly wound wine. Then again, we are talking about a Cabernet Franc-driven Saint-Émilion. Sweet red berries, mint, blood orange and spice pulse with tremendous energy. Aromatically expressive and deep, Canon La Gaffelière builds effortlessly over time, leading to a bright, saline and mineral-drenched finish that is a thing of beauty. The 2019 shows much better from a full bottle (as opposed to a half), with silky tannins that emerge with a touch of aeration. I won't be surprised if the 2019 is even better from bottle than this note suggests.
Score: 93-95 / 100Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Juicy, fresh and balanced. Pretty, floral aromatics with a burgundian nuance. Fine, long tannins provide persistence. Harmonious, digeste and perfectly etched. On a par with the best from this estate. (JL)
Score: 17 / 20Jancis Robinson MWDrinking Window: 2026-2040
Ripe, slightly sweaty nose of sweet leather and baked black plum and cherry pie, there is a delightful floral lift too. Unctuous palate, the tannins are fully resolved, even-set and expansive, ripe and beautifully integrated with the generous black cherry and fresh black plum fruit. There is great mineral underpinning too giving lots of freshness a moreish character. Very heady and succulent St Emilion.
Score: FINE+RARE Tasting Note
